Effects of intraspecific larval competence of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus under laboratory conditions

Abstract

Introduction: Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are two of the most important mosquito species, since they are the main vector of emerging and re-emerging diseases that represent a significant threat to public health.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of intraspecific larval competence caused by low and high density in two populations of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus on aspects of their life cycles under laboratory conditions.

Methods: Two mosquitos populations were used, Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, both collected during their larval stage in Juan de Dios Fraga town, La Lisa, Havana, Cuba. Low (70 larvae) and high (140 larvae) density conditions were established in each replication for each species. Larvae from the first stage were used and follow-up was established until adults emerged. Variables such as: larval cycle duration, larval survival, and adult female size and survival were evaluated. 

Results: The variables evaluated were not affected under low larval density conditions. However, the intraspecific larval relationship under high density conditions in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus habitats had a negative effect in each of the variables of the life cycles.

Conclusions: The observed alterations are important within the components of vectorial capacity, with implications for the epidemiology of these mosquitos-borne diseases. The results could be extended to the behavior of these mosquitoes in their natural environment. These conditions could increase the transmission patterns of dengue virus and the risk of infection for the human population.